December 12, 2016

Snowshoe, Cross Country, and Downhill ~ All Near the Old Parkdale Inn

By: Mary Pellegrini

My favorite is snowshoe. Never really did too much downhill as a child and now I don’t like to fall down as much and speed is not a necessity! So we snowshoe. For us there is nothing better than a hike in the Mt Hood National Forest, fresh snow, no wind, fresh tracks. If it’s snowing, it’s even better.

The Mt Hood National Forest is about 5 miles from the Old Parkdale Inn. Plenty of snow parks, trails, and our favorite, forest roads to explore. A couple of weeks ago a single gal spent three days with us, put her XC (cross-country) skies on right outside our door, and headed out through town, around the soccer field and out into the orchards.

The Nordic Center at the Cooper Spur Mountain Resort is 10 miles from the Old Parkdale Inn and provides 6.5 kilometers of trails which are groomed for skating and traditional striding. Separate snowshoe trails are also available for winter outdoor enthusiasts.

We go up Laurance Lake Rd. It’s 4 miles to the lake and the road continues on for a few more miles and there are many side roads to explore. You might meet another couple of local folks, and usually their dogs. No crowds, just you, the forest and occasional wildlife, certainly lots of tracks. We’ll start your day with hot coffee and a hearty breakfast and be here when you return, with the fire burning and a warm beverage.